American Dream

The American Dream has always meant opportunity -- the idea that anyone can make it here. Woven through our politics, culture and family histories, the simple phrase lifted and sustained Americans for generations, and its promise inspired millions to come to the United States in search of a better life. Yet this collective ideal has always been fraught, as the country struggled to extend opportunities beyond white men to African Americans, women, Latinos, gays and lesbians, those with disabilities, and others.